Chone Figgins Rumors
By Ben Nicholson-Smith [November 19, 2009 at 2:45pm CST]
2:45pm: Moreno estimates that he has $12MM to spend on improving the club, according to FOX Sports. That could be enough to sign Bay if the left fielder agrees to sign a back-loaded deal. 1:16pm: Angels owner Arte Moreno told Bill Shaikin of the LA Times that Matt Holliday is not an option for the Angels. "He is not going to be an Angel," Moreno said. "We are not looking at Holliday at all." Jason Bay, on the other hand, is a player "you have to look at," Moreno said. The Angels still have interest in bringing back John Lackey,...
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By Ben Nicholson-Smith [November 19, 2009 at 10:46am CST]
Some links to read through on Ryan Howard's 30th birthday... The White Sox would like to add a true leadoff man and are open to bringing back Jim Thome, according to MLB.com's Scott Merkin. MLB.com's Todd Zolecki says the Phillies aren't considered serious contenders for free agent Chone Figgins. MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez reports that the Marlins may spend on a corner outfielder, a second baseman or a third baseman if they free up some payroll by trading Dan Uggla. Jamey Carroll is one of the many free agents the Marlins would consider. The Brewers are open to bringing Craig Counsell...
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By Mark Polishuk [November 17, 2009 at 8:15pm CST]
MLB.com's Lyle Spencer answered a pile of fans' questions about the Angels' free agents, possible new signings and trade options. Here are some of the highlights... Spencer "has his doubts" that Los Angeles will re-sign any of its big three free agents (Chone Figgins, Vladimir Guerrero and John Lackey). He thinks the other three AL West teams would be smart to sign Guerrero given that the outfielder is "a prideful man who would have something to prove to his former employer." If the Angels do dip into the free-agent market, it would be for a starting pitcher. Spencer lists Randy...
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By Mike Axisa [November 17, 2009 at 8:15am CST]
Yesterday we heard that the Angels were interested in free agent outfielder Matt Holliday, but GM Tony Reagins spoke to Mike DiGiovanna of The LA Times and shot down that rumor. "He's a talented player," Reagins said of Holliday, who hit .313 with 24 home runs and 109 runs batted in for the Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals in 2009 and could command a deal in excess of $100 million. "But our focus is not on him right now." Instead, the team is focused on re-signing John Lackey and Chone Figgins, according to DiGiovanna. Reagins indicated that he knows...
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By Steve Adams [November 15, 2009 at 2:48pm CST]
MLB.com's Todd Zolecki runs down the Phillies offseason, looking at how the club is planning to improve coming off back-to-back World Series appearances. Here's some highlights: The Phillies are looking to upgrade at third base, as we've heard before. Chone Figgins figures to be too expensive for their liking, and they'll look for a shorter, more affordable contract. Zolecki names the same possibilities we heard earlier in the week: Adrian Beltre, Mark DeRosa, and Placido Polanco. Philadelphia has interest in Fernando Rodney, but it may not be mutual, as Rodney likely would prefer a team with whom he can close....
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By Zach Links [November 14, 2009 at 1:50pm CST]
The Mets plan to be serious bidders for the services of John Lackey, writes David Lennon of Newsday. GM Omar Minaya reportedly "received a favorable first impression" from a meeting earlier this week with Lackey's agent, Steve Hilliard. Lennon points out that the Mets successfully zeroed in on free agent closer Francisco Rodriguez last offseason and secured his services for $37MM over three years, short of what some expected. Here's a look at some of the other tidbits Lennon brings us in this piece: If the Mets sign the versatile Chone Figgins, he would be placed in left field. Under...
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By Cork Gaines [November 13, 2009 at 12:50pm CST]
On this date 31 years ago, Red Sox free agent pitcher Luis Tiant signed a two-year, $875K contract with the Yankees. After eight seasons and 122 wins with Boston, Tiant would go 21-17 with the Yankees before finishing his career with the Pirates and Angels. With this year's free agents looking for new homes, let's take a look at what is being written in the Blogosphere... UmpBump attempts to determine how much Chone Figgins is worth. The Phrontiersman warns that giving up Cole Hamels is too much for Roy Halladay. We Should Be GMs analyzes the Phillies roster and suggests...
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By Tim Dierkes [November 12, 2009 at 11:59am CST]
The Phillies have Placido Polanco, Mark DeRosa, and Adrian Beltre on their third base wish list, according to sources speaking to Jim Salisbury of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Salisbury adds that Chone Figgins and Miguel Tejada are also of interest, but to a lesser degree. Phils GM Ruben Amaro Jr. told Salisbury he'd "rather do something early," but doesn't see that happening. DeRosa signed early with the Cubs three years ago, specifically on November 14th. Salisbury debates the merits of Polanco, DeRosa, and Beltre in his column. Which do you prefer? By the way, ESPN's Jayson Stark finds Figgins an unrealistic...
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By Tim Dierkes [November 12, 2009 at 8:59am CST]
Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has his finger on the pulse of the Cardinals... GM John Mozeliak explained that his offer for Matt Holliday will be firm: "I think it's fair to say when we present an offer, that's pretty much going to be our position. We're not really interested in becoming involved in a long, drawn-out back-and-forth." As is typical of these situations, Mozeliak would like the situation to be resolved more quickly than Scott Boras typically works. Where would the Holliday money go if the slugger signs elsewhere? A veteran third baseman is one possibility, though...
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By Luke Adams [November 11, 2009 at 7:33pm CST]
Let's have a look at another handful of evening links.... MLB.com's Corey Brock reports that new Padres GM Jed Hoyer will sit down with Adrian Gonzalez next week to discuss the first baseman's future. Keith Law of ESPN.com shares his thoughts on the trades that have transpired so far during the hot stove season. Scott Miller of CBS Sports wraps up his observations from the GM meetings, and includes a quote from Angels GM Tony Reagins, saying the team will try their best to retain both John Lackey and Chone Figgins. I think they'd be doing very well if they...
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